You've filled the candy bowl. You've bought your wig and makeup (and if you haven't, good luck with the lines at the costume store). You've hung paper ghosts on your front porch. If you're a responsible adult, you're preparing for the hordes of trick-or-treaters. If you're like me and everyone I know, you're hoping your costume will be so good that no one will know it's you when you drunkenly embarrass yourself later tonight.
Yay, it's Halloween! And because we care about you, we've collected costume advice from some of the movie characters who have done it best. You don't need anything as elaborate as Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis's drag outfits, or as murder-iffic as the Scream mask. This advice applies to all costumes of all kinds, and applied properly, will make you the best of the five Sarah Palins at your party. No advice on how to get the vomit stains out of your powersuit, though-- there are some things we have to let you figure out on your own.
Scream: Take something simple and make it work.
A $10 mask can yield terrifying results if you use it properly. (Note: Cinema Blend does not endorse murder)
Varsity Blues: Go big or go home.
To score the captain of the football team, you've got to make that body sing, and not look nervous while doing it.
Shakespeare in Love: Put that costume to good use.
Don't put on Elizabethan drag just to get into some stupid play; bag the playwright while you're at it.
Tootsie: Commit!
Even when Jessica Lange is trying to get you in bed, and you have to shave while wearing your wig, don't let down your guard. How much is this job worth to you anyway?
Back to the Future 3: Do your homework.
Clint Eastwood never wore anything like this. Find that out before you let a mad scientist pick out your outfit.
Some Like it Hot: Sell it.
Sugar Kane is silly, but even she's not that stupid. If you're going to pretend to be the two ugliest women in an all-girl band, you've got to believe your costume before they will. Jack Lemmon is best at this, by the way.
Mean Girls: Know your audience.
Dressing as a scary ex-wife will probably not win over the football player, now will it?
Darth Vader: Look the part.
If you've got evil intentions but only a shriveled old face to go with them, make sure you look intimidating before setting out to conquer the galaxy.
Iron Man: if at first you don't succeed...
Your first attempt was a hunk of junk that barely got you out of Afghanistan. Leave time (and lots and lots of money) for revisions before it's time for the big show.
Love Actually: Make up a reason if you have to.
No, there weren't any octopi at the birth of Christ. But that doesn't make the costume any less hilarious or fun to look at.
The Incredibles: Safety first!
You don't really need me to tell you to keep that cape away from the jet engine, do you?
James Bond: You don't have to sacrifice style.
James Bond sees no reason to remove his formal wear to walk away from a burning building. You shouldn't need to remove the high heels that perfect your "Slutty Golden Girl" costume.
